Information about support services and government benefits you may be eligible for if you are a young person.
As a student, you may be eligible to receive Centrelink payments to help you with the cost of living.
You may be able to apply for:
To find out what payments you are eligible for, see Payment and Service Finder tool on the Centrelink website.
After you complete your high school, there are many things you can do to prepare for your future.
For example, you can:
For more information, see Leaving secondary school on the Services Australia website.
If you get in trouble with the law and you get a fine, you can get help.
Your caseworker will start making your leaving care plan with you when you turn 15 years old.
If you have left state or foster care, you can apply for:
Rent Choice Youth is a program for young people aged between 16 and 24 years to find a place to live, get approved for a lease, pay the rent up to three years. You will be linked to a support worker to help you work towards your goals.
For more information, see Rent Choice Youth on the Communities & Justice website.
From 1 February 2023, young people who have recently left out-of-home care, can access the new Independent Living Allowance. This is a $250 fortnightly payment to help with your accommodation and essential living expenses.
For more information, see Independent Living Allowance on the Department of Communities and Justice website.
For more information about services and support to help you transition to living independently, see Leaving care information for young people on the NSW Government website.
When you turn 15 years old, you can apply for your own Medicare card.
For information on visiting doctors, getting your own Medicare card and accessing other health services, see Health services for young people on the NSW Government website.
We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. By clicking OK, you agree to our cookie policy.
Share with
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn